Adjustable wearable system having a modular sensor platform

ABSTRACT

A wearable system and methods for measuring physiological data from a device worn about a body part of a user is provided comprising a base module, a first sensor module, and a second sensor module. The base module comprises a display and a base computing unit. The first sensor module measures a gravitational force experienced by the device. The second sensor module is spatially positioned relative to the base module and over a portion of the body part for measuring one or more physiological characteristics calibrated based on the gravitational force measured with the first sensor module. The base module is adjustably positioned by the user relative to the second sensor module such that the sensor module maintains its positioning over the body part for sufficient contact with the body part for accurate measurements of physiological data regardless of the anthropometric size of the body part.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/061,290, filed Oct. 8, 2014, and is Continuation-in-Part of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/719,043, filed May 21,2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/002,589, filed May 23, 2014. The above-identified applications arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a wearable device for monitoring andcommunicating physiological information of an individual, among otherthings and in particular, a wearable modular sensor platform that isadjustable about a body part.

Over the years many types of watch bands, jewelry bands, magnetic healthbands, bracelets and necklaces have been marketed. Wearable devicesequipped with sensors are known that may track in some fashion userdata, such as activity data (duration, step count, calories burned),sleep statistics, and/or physiological data (e.g., heart rate,perspiration and skin temperature). These conventional devices, however,often are very delicate and/or too flimsy or too rigid, and do not holdup well to physical exercise, fitness activities and sports, let alonethe rigors of reliable sensor measurements sufficient, for example,health care monitoring on long-term basis.

Additionally, existing wearable devices have a number of disadvantages.They are generally bulky, uncomfortable and poorly suited for long-termuse on an outpatient or personal basis. Such devices are also not wellsuited for long-term wear by infants or uncooperative patients, such asa patient with schizophrenia who may unexpectedly remove existingsensors. Nor are such wearable devices well suited for animals that areambulatory or that require monitoring for a long period. Aside fromthose disadvantages, the wearable devices to date have not been suitableas a lifestyle product that also is capable of sensitive physiologicaland environmental measurements, processing and communications.

Another disadvantage is that existing sensors have cumbersomeelectrodes. As a result, such devices are generally encased inrelatively large plastic shell cases and are not comfortable or suitablefor wearing for more than a few hours, and as such, lack certainadvantages of more suitable locations for physiological measurements. Inthe case of a watch, the sensors are typically located on the top of thewrist with the display. In these devices, continuous and long term wearis not practical because, among other things, using rubberizedelectrodes, standard metal medical electrodes and the related adhesivepads are uncomfortable, particularly when used on older users and thosewith sensitive skin. Continuous wearing of these devices also tends tocause skin irritation if the portion of the skin contacted is notsuitably exposed to air for days or weeks during use.

Certain sensor arrangements with a wearable device can be cumbersome foranother reason. For example, some measurements (e.g. skin conductance)commonly require additional electrodes that are clamped on thefingertips or that use adhesive patches separate from the wearabledevices. In these circumstances, severe limits are placed on the user'sability to perform other daily tasks.

Disadvantages with such sensor arrangements are compounded by the factthat given body parts (e.g. wrist, neck, ankle, chest, waist or head)are not the same size and shape for all users. Wearable devices to dateadjust asymmetrically (e.g. belt buckle-type bands). Other bands to datethat are one piece bands do not address pressure (too much or toolittle) applied on the skin as the size of the body part increases for alarger person relative to smaller person, or vice versa. That is, theseapproaches to adjustment of wearable also can make the deviceuncomfortable to wear due to tightness or looseness when sensors areinvolved. Additionally, movement of the device on a body part tends toreposition sensors and displays making the measurements and display ofmeasurements less convenient or reliable. Discomfort may lead tomovement of the device out of preferred position to reduce pain orirritation of the skin. In short, movement of the device may lead toless than accurate measurements, which can be disadvantageous to adevice for long term use.

A further disadvantage is that existing systems with wirelessconnectivity, for example, generally exhibit a short battery life. Theyare not suitable for continuous or long term wireless transmission formore than a few hours. Continuous physiological data collection may benecessary, however, over days, weeks and months in cases, for example,where chronic conditions exist (e.g. sleep disorders, diabetes, etc.).Existing wireless devices have a further disadvantage of being generallylimited to a single user and do not support robust data collection andanalysis remote of the device. In addition, existing devices generallydo not provide much more than rudimentary board data analysis.

In short, devices to date do not address the size and comfort issues(e.g. flexibility, airflow, smooth contact area, skin irritation) toallow wearing of the device for continuous or long-term use in a small,compact and lightweight form factor, that is also accurate, continuouslyusable, and non-invasive and/or that can also consistently maintaincomfortable positioning under varying user physiology and environmentalconditions. Those devices also do not employ a full array of sensorcapabilities (e.g., ECG, glucose, blood pressure, hydration, etc.) in asingular modular sensor platform. These sensor capabilities do notdeliver reliable medical-grade readings for the less than optimalenvironments that such devices can be used or for the rigors of dynamicuse. These devices also do not harness the insight that daily dataacquisition about the body can provide the user or a healthcareprofessional which require suitable processing power. Suitableprocessing power requires adequate battery life in a wearable 24/7device, which wearable devices do not achieve. Moreover, these deviceshave not confronted the privacy and security issues associated with thecommunication of health-related data.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to implementations of the present invention, a wearable systemand methods for measuring physiological data from a device worn about abody part of a user is provided comprising a base module, a first sensormodule, and a second sensor module. The base module comprises a displayand a base computing unit. The first sensor module measures agravitational force experienced by the device. The second sensor moduleis spatially positioned relative to the base module and over a portionof the body part for measuring one or more physiological characteristicscalibrated based on the gravitational force measured with the firstsensor module. The base module is adjustably positioned by the userrelative to the second sensor module such that the sensor modulemaintains its positioning over the body part for sufficient contact withthe body part for accurate measurements of physiological data regardlessof the anthropometric size of the body part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and utilities described in the foregoing brief summary, aswell as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of thepresent general inventive concept below, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

The features and utilities described in the foregoing brief summary, aswell as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of thepresent general inventive concept below, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a modular sensorplatform.

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of the modular sensor platform of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a modular sensorplatform.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the modularsensor platform, including a bandwidth sensor module in connection withcomponents comprising the base computing unit and battery.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the wrist with a bandmounted sensor in contact for an embodiment used about the wrist.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of a modular sensorplatform with a self-aligning sensor array system in relation to useabout the wrist.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components of the modular sensorplatform including example sensors and an optical electric unitself-aligning sensor array system in a further embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a side view of the adjustablewearable system with a sensor module positioned on the band.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of the adjustable wearable system with asensor module integral to the band.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the adjustablewearable system with a sensor module where the band over straps thesensor module.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the view of theadjustable wearable system with a modular sensor module with a segmentedband connected by flex connections.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of view of the adjustablewearable system with a self-adhering sensor module symmetricallydisposed from a self-adhering display unit.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the view ofthe adjustable wearable system with a sensor module comprising amicro-adjustable sensor configuration in a first position.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable wearable systemwith a sensor module comprising a micro-adjustable sensor configurationin a second position relative to that shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the view ofthe adjustable wearable system with a sensor module comprising arotatable sensor unit configuration in a first position.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable wearable systemwith a sensor module comprising a rotatable sensor unit configuration ina second position relative to that shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the view ofthe adjustable wearable system with a sensor module comprising a slidingsensor unit configuration in a first position.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the adjustable wearable systemwith a sensor module comprising a sliding sensor unit configuration in asecond position relative to that shown in FIG. 17.

For the purpose of illustrating the general inventive concept of theinvention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the present invention is not limited to thearrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the presentgeneral inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the likeelements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order toexplain the present general inventive concept while referring to thefigures.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods ofaccomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description and the drawings. The present generalinventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms ofbeing practiced or of being carried out in various ways and should notbe construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete and will fully convey the general inventiveconcept to those skilled in the art, and the present general inventiveconcept is defined by the appended claims. In the drawings, thethickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for visual clarity.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used in this document are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the contextof describing the invention (especially in the context of the followingclaims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural,unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are tobe construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but notlimited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, thesystems shown in the figures are models of what actual systems might belike. Some of the modules and logical structures described are capableof being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or asimilar device, or of being implemented in hardware using a variety ofcomponents including, for example, application specific integratedcircuits (“ASICs”). A term like “processor” may include or refer to bothhardware and/or software. No specific meaning is implied or should beinferred simply due to the use of capitalization.

Likewise, the term “component” or “module”, as used herein, means, butis not limited to, a software or hardware component, such as a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or ASIC, which performs certain tasks. Acomponent or module may advantageously be configured to reside in theaddressable storage medium and configured to execute on one or moreprocessors. Thus, a component or module may include, by way of example,components, such as software components, object-oriented softwarecomponents, class components and task components, processes, functions,attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers,firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures,tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided for thecomponents and components or modules may be combined into fewercomponents and components or modules or further separated intoadditional components and components or modules.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Further, unless definedotherwise, all terms defined in generally used dictionaries should havetheir ordinary meaning. It is noted that the use of any and allexamples, or exemplary terms provided herein is intended merely tobetter illuminate the general inventive concept and is not a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise specified.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system for providing a wearabledevice for monitoring an electrocardiogram (ECG) through a wrist of auser.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating embodiments of a modular sensorplatform or wearable sensor platform 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict aperspective view of embodiments of the wearable sensor platform 10,while FIG. 3 depicts an exploded side view of another embodiment of thewearable sensor platform 10. Although the components of the wearablesensor platform in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be substantially the same, thelocations of modules and/or components may differ.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wearable sensor platform 10 maybe implemented as a smart watch or other wearable device that fits onpart of a body, here a user's wrist.

The wearable sensor platform 10 may include a base module 18, a strap ora band 12, a clasp 34, a power source, a removable power source, or abattery 22, and a removable sensor module, a micro-adjustable sensormodule, or a sensor module 16 coupled to the band 12. In someembodiments, the modules and/or components of the wearable sensorplatform 10 may be removable by an end user (e.g., a consumer, apatient, a doctor, etc.). However, in other embodiments, the modulesand/or components of the wearable sensor platform 10 are integrated intothe wearable sensor platform 10 by the manufacturer and may not beintended to be removed by the end user. The wearable sensor platform 10may be waterproof or water sealed.

The band 12 may be one-piece or modular. The band 12 may be made of afabric. For example, a wide range of twistable and expandable elasticmesh/textiles are contemplated. The band 12 may also be configured as amulti-band or in modular links. The band 12 may include a latch or aclasp mechanism to retain the watch in place in certain implementations.In certain embodiments, the band 12 will contain wiring (not shown)connecting, among other things, the base module 18 and sensor module 16.Wireless communication, alone or in combination with wiring, betweenbase module 18 and sensor module 16 is also contemplated.

The sensor module 16 may be removably attached on the band 12, such thatthe sensor module 16 is located at the bottom of the wearable sensorplatform 10 or, said another way, on the opposite end of the base module18. Positioning the sensor module 16 in such a way to place it in atleast partial pressure contact with the skin on the underside of theuser's wrist to allow the sensor units 28 to sense physiological datafrom the user. The contacting surface(s) of the sensor units 28 may bepositioned above, at or below, or some combination such positioning, thesurface of the sensor module 16.

The base module 18 attaches to the band 12 such that the base module 18is positioned at top of the wearable sensor platform 10. Positioning thebase module 18 in such a way to place it in at least partial contactwith the top side of the wrist.

The base module 18 may include a base computing unit 20, and a graphicaluser interface (GUI) or a display 26 on which a graphical user interface(GUI) may be provided. The base module 18 performs functions including,for example, displaying time, performing calculations and/or displayingdata, including sensor data collected from the sensor module 16. Inaddition to communication with the sensor module 16, the base module 18may wirelessly communicate with other sensor module(s) (not shown) wornon different body parts of the user to form a body area network, or withother wirelessly accessible devices (not shown), like a smartphone,tablet, display or other computing device. As will be discussed morefully with respect to FIG. 4, the base computing unit 20 may include aprocessor 36, memory 38, input/output 40, a communication interface 42,a battery 22 and a set of sensors 44, such as an accelerometer/gyroscope46 and thermometer 48. In other embodiments, the base module 18 can alsobe other sizes, cases, and/or form factors, such as, for example,oversized, in-line, round, rectangular, square, oval, Carre, Carage,Tonneau, asymmetrical, and the like.

The sensor module 16 collects data (e.g., physiological, activity data,sleep statistics and/or other data), from a user and is in communicationwith the base module 18. The sensor module 16 includes sensor units 28housed in a sensor plate 30. For certain implementations, because aportable device, such as a wristwatch, has a very small volume andlimited battery power, sensor units 28 of the type disclosed may beparticularly suited for implementation of a sensor measurement in awristwatch. In some embodiments, the sensor module 16 is adjustablyattached to the band 12 such that the base module 18 is not fixedlypositioned, but can be configured differently depending on thephysiological make-up of the wrist.

The sensor units 28 may include an optical sensor array, a thermometer,a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array, a bioimpedance (BioZ)sensor array, an electrocardiogram or electrocardiography (ECG) sensor,or any combination thereof. The sensors units 28 may take informationabout the outside world and supply it to the wearable sensor platform10. The sensor units 28 can also function with other components toprovide user or environmental input and feedback to a user. For example,a MEMS accelerometer may be used to measure information such asposition, motion, tilt, shock, and vibration for use by processor 36.Other sensor(s) may also be employed. The sensor module 16 may alsoinclude a sensor computing unit 32. The sensor units 28 may also includebiological sensors (e.g., pulse, pulse oximetry, body temperature, bloodpressure, body fat, etc.), proximity detectors for detecting theproximity of objects, and environmental sensors (e.g., temperature,humidity, ambient light, pressure, altitude, compass, etc.).

In other embodiments, the clasp 34 also provides an ECG electrode. Oneor more sensor units 28 and the ECG electrode on the clasp 34 can form acomplete ECG signal circuit when the clasp 34 is touched. The sensorcomputing unit 32 may analyze data, perform operations (e.g.,calculations) on the data, communicate data and, in some embodiments,may store the data collected by the sensor units 28. In someembodiments, the sensor computing unit 32 receives (for example, dataindicative of an ECG signal) from one or more of the sensors of thesensor units 28, and processes the received data to form a predefinedrepresentation of a signal (for example, an ECG signal).

The sensor computing unit 32 can also be configured to communicate thedata and/or a processed form of the received data to one or morepredefined recipients, for example, the base computing unit 20, forfurther processing, display, communication, and the like. For example,in certain implementations the base computing unit 20 and/or sensorcomputing unit determine whether data is reliable and determine anindication of confidence in the data to the user.

Because the sensor computing unit 32 may be integrated into the sensorplate 30, it is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1. In other embodiments,the sensor computing unit 32 may be omitted or located elsewhere on thewearable sensor platform 10 or remotely from the wearable sensorplatform 10. In an embodiment where the sensor computing unit 32 may beomitted, the base computing unit 20 may perform functions that wouldotherwise be performed by the sensor computing unit 32. Through thecombination of the sensor module 16 and base module 18, data may becollected, transmitted, stored, analyzed, transmitted and presented to auser.

The wearable sensor platform 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is analogous to thewearable sensor platform 10 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, thewearable sensor platform 10 includes a band 12, a battery 22, a clasp34, a base module 18 including a display 26, a base computing unit 20,and a sensor module 16 including sensor units 28, a sensor plate 30, andan optional sensor computing unit 32. However, as can be seen in FIG. 3,the locations of certain modules have been altered. For example, theclasp 34 is closer in FIG. 3 to the display/GUI 26 than clasp 34 is inFIG. 1. Similarly, in FIG. 3, the battery 22 is housed with the basemodule 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the battery 22 is housedon the band 12, opposite to the display 26. However, it should beunderstood that, in some embodiments, the battery 22 charges the basemodule 18 and optionally an internal or permanent battery (not shown) ofthe base module 18. In this way, the wearable sensor platform 10 may beworn continuously. Thus, in various embodiments, the locations and/orfunctions of the modules and other components may be changed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a modular sensorplatform 10 and components comprising the base module 18. The wearablesensor platform 10 is analogous to the wearable sensor platform 10 inFIGS. 1 and 2 and thus includes analogous components having similarreference labels. In this embodiment, the wearable sensor platform 10may include a band 12, and a sensor module 16 attached to band 12. Thesensor module 16 may further include a sensor plate 30 attached to theband 12, and sensor units 28 attached to the sensor plate 30. The sensormodule 16 may also include a sensor computing unit 32.

The wearable sensor platform 10 includes a base computing unit 20 inFIG. 3 analogous to the base computing unit 20 and one or more batteries22 in FIG. 3. For example, permanent and/or removable batteries 22 thatare analogous to the battery 22 in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be provided. In oneembodiment, the base computing unit 20 may communicate with or controlthe sensor computing unit 32 through a communication interface 42. Inone embodiment, the communication interface 42 may comprise a serialinterface. The base computing unit 20 may include a processor 36, amemory 38, input/output (I/O) 40, a display 26, a communicationinterface 42, sensors 44, and a power management unit 88.

The processor 36, the memory 38, the I/O 40, the communication interface42 and the sensors 44 may be coupled together via a system bus (notshown). The processor 36 may include a single processor having one ormore cores, or multiple processors having one or more cores. Theprocessor 36 may be configured with the I/O 40 to accept, receive,transduce and process verbal audio frequency command, given by the user.For example, an audio codec may be used. The processor 36 may executeinstructions of an operating system (OS) and various applications 90.The processor 36 may control on command interactions among devicecomponents and communications over an I/O interface. Examples of the OS90 may include, but not limited to, Linux Android™, Android Wear, andTizen OS.

The memory 38 may comprise one or more memories comprising differentmemory types, including RAM (e.g., DRAM and SRAM) ROM, cache, virtualmemory microdrive, hard disks, microSD cards, and flash memory, forexample. The I/O 40 may comprise a collection of components that inputinformation and output information. Example components comprising theI/O 40 having the ability to accept inputted, outputted or otherprocessed data include a microphone, messaging, camera and speaker. I/O40 may also include an audio chip (not shown), a display controller (notshown), and a touchscreen controller (not shown). In the embodimentshown in FIG. 4, the memory 38 is external to the processor 36. In otherembodiments, the memory 38 can be an internal memory embedded in theprocessor 36.

The communication interface 42 may include components for supportingone-way or two-way wireless communications and may include a wirelessnetwork interface controller (or similar component) for wirelesscommunication over a network in some implementations, a wired interfacein other implementations, or multiple interfaces. In one embodiment, thecommunication interface 42 is for primarily receiving data remotely,including streaming data, which is displayed and updated on the display26. However, in an alternative embodiment, besides transmitting data,the communication interface 42 could also support voice transmission. Inan exemplary embodiment, the communication interface 42 supports low andintermediate power radio frequency (RF) communications. In certainimplementations, example types of wireless communication may includeBluetooth Low Energy (BLE), WLAN (wireless local area network), WiMAX,passive radio-frequency identification (RFID), network adapters andmodems. However, in another embodiment, example types of wirelesscommunication may include a WAN (Wide Area Network) interface, Wi-Fi,WPAN, multi-hop networks, or a cellular network such as 3G, 4G, 5G orLTE (Long Term Evolution). Other wireless options may include ultra-wideband (UWB) and infrared, for example. The communication interface 42 mayalso include other types of communications devices (not shown) besideswireless, such as serial communications via contacts and/or USBcommunications. For example, a micro USB-type USB, flash drive, or otherwired connection may be used with the communication interface 42.

In one embodiment, the display 26 may be integrated with the basecomputing unit 20; while in another embodiment, the display 26 may beexternal from the base computing unit 20. Display 26 may be flat orcurved, e.g., curved to the approximate curvature of the body part onwhich the wearable sensor platform 10 is located (e.g., a wrist, anankle, a head, etc.).

Display 26 may be a touch screen or gesture controlled. The display 26may be an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, TFT LCD(Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display), or other appropriatedisplay technology. The display 26 may be active-matrix. An example ofthe display 26 may be an AMOLED display or SLCD. The display may be 3Dor flexible. The sensors 44 may include any type ofmicroelectromechanical systems (MEMs) sensor. Such sensors may includean accelerometer/gyroscope 46 and a thermometer 48, for instance.

The power management unit 88 may be coupled to the power source 22 andmay comprise a microcontroller that communicates and/or controls powerfunctions of at least the base computing unit 20. Power management unit88 communicates with the processor 36 and coordinates power management.In some embodiments, the power management unit 88 determines if a powerlevel falls below a certain threshold level. In other embodiments, thepower management unit 88 determines if an amount of time has elapsed forsecondary charging.

The power source 22 may be a permanent or removable battery, fuel cellor photo voltage cell, etc. The battery 22 may be disposable. In oneembodiment, the power source 22 may comprise a rechargeable, lithium ionbattery or the like may be used, for example. The power management unit88 may include a voltage controller and a charging controller forrecharging the battery 22. In some implementations, one or more solarcells may be used as a power source 22. The power source 22 may also bepowered or charged by AC/DC power supply. The power source 22 may chargeby non-contact or contact charging. In one embodiment, the powermanagement unit 88 may also communicate and/or control the supply ofbattery power to the sensor module 16 via power interface 52. In someembodiments, the battery 22 is embedded in the base computing unit 20.In other embodiments, the battery 22 is external to the base computingunit 20.

Other wearable device configurations may also be used. For example, thewearable sensor system 10 can be worn on the upper arm, waist, finger,ankle, neck chest or foot for example. That is, the wearable sensorplatform 10 can be implemented as a leg or arm band, a chest band, awristwatch, a head band, an article of clothing worn by the user such asa snug fitting shirt, or any other physical device or collection ofdevices worn by the user that is sufficient to ensure that the sensorunits 28 are in contact with approximate positions on the user's skin toobtain accurate and reliable data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a cross section of a wrist 14. More specifically,by way of example, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an implementation ofthe wearable sensor platform 10. The top portion of FIG. 6 illustratesthe wearable sensor platform 10 wrapped around a cross-section of auser's wrist 14, while the bottom portion of FIG. 6 shows the band 12 inan flattened position.

According to this embodiment, the wearable sensor platform 10 includesat least an optical sensor array 54, and may also include optionalsensors, such as a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array 56, abioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array 58, and an electrocardiogram (ECG)sensor 60, or any combination of which may comprise a sensor array.

According to another embodiment, the sensor units 28 configured as asensor array(s) comprising an array of discrete sensors that arearranged or laid out on the band 12, such that when the band 12 is wornon a body part, each sensor array may straddle or otherwise address aparticular blood vessel (i.e., a vein, artery, or capillary), or an areawith higher electrical response irrespective of the blood vessel.

More particularly, as can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor array maybe laid out substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of theblood vessel (e.g., radial artery 14R and/or ulnar artery 14U) andoverlaps a width of the blood vessel to obtain an optimum signal. In oneembodiment, the band 12 may be worn so that the sensor units 28comprising the sensor array(s) contact the user's skin, but not sotightly that the band 12 is prevented from any movement over the bodypart, such as the user's wrist 14, or creates discomfort for the user atsensor contact points.

In another embodiment, the sensor units 28 may comprise an opticalsensor array 54 that may comprise a photoplethysmograph (PPG) sensorarray that may measures relative blood flow, pulse and/or blood oxygenlevel. In this embodiment, the optical sensor array 54 may be arrangedon sensor module 16 so that the optical sensor array 54 is positioned insufficient proximity to an artery, such as the radial or ulnar artery,to take adequate measurements with sufficient accuracy and reliability.

Further details of the optical sensor array 54 will now be discussed. Ingeneral, configuration and layout of each of the discrete opticalsensors 55 may vary greatly depending on use cases. In one embodiment,the optical sensor array 54 may include an array of discrete opticalsensors 55, where each discrete optical sensor 55 is a combination of atleast one photodetector 62 and at least two matching light sources 64located adjacent to the photodetector 62. In one embodiment, each of thediscrete optical sensors 55 may be separated from its neighbor on theband 12 by a predetermined distance of approximately 0.5 to 2 mm.

In one embodiment, the light sources 64 may each comprise a lightemitting diode (LED), where LEDs in each of the discrete optical sensors55 emit light of a different wavelength. Example light colors emitted bythe LEDs may include green, red, near infrared, and infraredwavelengths. Each of the photodetectors 62 convert received light energyinto an electrical signal. In one embodiment, the signals may comprisereflective photoplethysmograph signals. In another embodiment, thesignals may comprise transmittance photoplethysmograph signals. In oneembodiment, the photodetectors 62 may comprise phototransistors. Inalternative embodiment, the photodetectors 62 may comprisecharge-coupled devices (CCD).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration forcomponents of wearable sensor module in a further implementation. Inthis implementation, the ECG 60, the bioimpedance sensor array 58, theGSR array 56, the thermometer 48, and the optical sensor array 54 may becoupled to an optical-electric unit 66 that controls and receives datafrom the sensors on the band 12. In another implementation, theoptical-electric unit 66 may be part of the band 12. In an alternativeimplementation, the optical-electric unit 66 may be separate from theband 12.

The optical-electric unit 66 may comprise an ECG and bioimpedance (BIOZ)analog front end (AFE) 76, 78, a GSR AFE 70, an optical sensor AFE 72, aprocessor 36, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 74, a memory 38, anaccelerometer/gyroscope 46, a pressure sensor 80 and a power source 22.

As used herein, an AFE 68 may comprise an analog signal conditioningcircuitry interface between corresponding sensors and the ADC 74 or theprocessor 36. The ECG and BIOZ AFE 76, 78 exchange signals with the ECG60 and the bioimpedance sensor array 58. The GSR AFE 70 may exchangesignals with the GSR array 56 and the optical sensor AFE 72 may exchangesignals with the optical sensor array 54. In one embodiment, the GSR AFE70, the optical sensor AFE 72, the accelerometer/gyroscope 46, and thepressure sensor 80 may be coupled to the ADC 74 via bus 86. The ADC 74may convert a physical quantity, such as voltage, to a digital numberrepresenting amplitude.

In one embodiment, the ECG and BIOZ AFE 76, 78, memory 38, the processor36 and the ADC 74 may comprise components of a microcontroller 82. Inone embodiment, the GSR AFE 70 and the optical sensor AFE 72 may also bepart of the microcontroller 82. The processor 36 in one embodiment maycomprise a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), such as a Cortex32-bit RISC ARM processor core by ARM Holdings, for example. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, the memory 38 is an internal memory embeddedin the microcontroller 82. In other embodiments, the memory 38 can beexternal to the microcontroller 82.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the processor 36 may execute acalibration and data acquisition component 84 that may perform sensorcalibration and data acquisition functions. In one embodiment, thesensor calibration function may comprise a process for self-aligning onemore sensor arrays to a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the sensorcalibration may be performed at startup, prior to receiving data fromthe sensors, or at periodic intervals during operation.

In another embodiment, the sensor units 28 may also comprise a galvanicskin response (GSR) sensor array 56, which may comprise four or more GSRsensors that may measure electrical conductance of the skin that varieswith moisture level. Conventionally, two GSR sensors are necessary tomeasure resistance along the skin surface. According to one aspect ofthis embodiment, the GSR sensor array 56 is shown including four GSRsensors, where any two of the four may be selected for use. In oneembodiment, the GSR sensors 56 may be spaced on the band 2 to 5 mmapart.

In another embodiment, the sensor units 28 may also comprisebioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array 58, which may comprise four or moreBioZ sensors 59 that measure bioelectrical impedance or opposition to aflow of electric current through the tissue. Conventionally, only twosets of electrodes are needed to measure bioimpedance, one set for the“I” current and the other set for the “V” voltage. However, according toan exemplary embodiment, a bioimpedance sensor array 58 may be providedthat includes at least four to six bioimpedance sensors 59, where anyfour of electrodes may be selected for “I” current pair and the “V”voltage pair. The selection could be made using a multiplexor. In theembodiment shown, the bioimpedance sensor array 58 is shown straddlingan artery, such as the Radial or Ulnar artery. In one embodiment, theBioZ sensors 59 may be spaced on the band 5 to 13 mm apart. In oneembodiment, one or more electrodes comprising the BioZ sensors 59 may bemultiplexed with one or more of the GSR sensors 56.

In yet another embodiment, the band 12 may include one or moreelectrocardiogram (ECG) sensors 60 that measure electrical activity ofthe user's heart over a period of time. In addition, the band 12 mayalso comprise a thermometer 48 for measuring temperature or atemperature gradient.

According to an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable sensor supportstructure, a series of sensors supported by flexible bridge structuresmay be serially connected edge-to-edge along a band. Such a band withbridge supported sensors may be worn, for example, about the wrist 14.When worn about a measurement site such as the wrist 14, the varyingtopology of the wrist 14 may cause force(s) to simultaneously be exertedupon the bridges due to compliance of the band to the varying topologyof the wrist 14.

Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with auser as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any formof sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, ortactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form,including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

Gravity is a force. It generally describes how objects interact relativeto one another. For example, the gravitational force that the Earthexerts on a person ensures the person remains on the ground. Earth'sgravitational force is sometimes referred to as Earth's g-force.

Micro-gravity or hypo-gravity generally refers to a condition where thegravitational force is smaller than that of Earth g-force. For example,the gravitational force exerted by the moon is only a fraction of thegravitational force exerted by the Earth's g-force. By way of anotherexample, when no artificial gravity is present, a person in space flightor on a space station is subject to microgravity. Similarly,super-gravity or hyper-gravity refers to a condition where thegravitational force is larger than that of the Earth's g-force. Forexample, a person subject to g-forces in a spaceship on takeoff may besubject to super-gravity.

Biological processes are affected by variations in gravitational force.Variations in this force can have an impact on an organism's health andfunction. For example, the human heart has evolved to pump blood againstgravity to the head and upper torso and accept the benefits that Earth'sgravity provides in returning the blood to the heart and lungs orpumping blood to the lower extremities. For example, undermicro-gravity, the heart's normal pumping function leads to a phenomenacalled “puffy face syndrome,” where the veins of the neck and faceappear expanded, the eyes become swollen and red, and the legs growthinner because the heart does not have the benefit of Earth's gravityand has to pump harder to get blood to the lower extremities and hasless help from leg muscles.

As such, human physiological parameters (such as blood flow, bloodvolume, blood cell production, muscle mass and bone mass, for example)change under depending on what gravitational forces are exerted on thebody. It is also known that clocks generally run differently inspace-time dilation, and that light may also travel differently.

For example, it is known that blood flow of a jet pilot changes when thefighter jet is flying under varying “g” conditions. Space travel, andthe varying gravitational conditions, will affect how blood flows inarteries of human under those conditions, and how some sensors, such asMEMS, measure certain parameters. Additionally, measurements that mayemploy light, such as the ECG signal, blood pressure and/or blood flow,may depend on time and light array behavior under varying gravitationalconditions; that is, the accuracy of those sensors may also be affectedby physiological changes and/or how time and light are measured inmicro- or super-gravity conditions.

In some embodiments, therefore, the sensors are configured to accountfor and operate in differing gravitational conditions. For example, theaccelerometer/gyroscope 46 may be configured to measure a gravitationalforce, for example, micro-gravity, experienced by the wearable sensorplatform 10. The gravitational force measurement or data indicative ofthe measurement will be fed to one or more of the processor 36, thegalvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array 56, the bioimpedance (BioZ)sensor array 58, the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 60, and/or thesensor units 28. The processor 36, the galvanic skin response (GSR)sensor array 56, the bioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array 58, theelectrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 60, and/or the sensor units 28 may thenbe calibrated based on the gravitational force data and/or themeasurement. Similarly, based on the gravitational force measurement ordata indicative of the measurement, the processor 36 may also beconfigured to determine a time differential and a light speeddifferential, and send one or more such differentials to one or more ofthe galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array 56, the bioimpedance(BioZ) sensor array 58, the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor 60, and/orthe sensor units 28 for further calibration due to time and lightmeasurement differences.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., acommunication network). Examples of communication networks include alocal area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), and theInternet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. Variouscloud-based platforms and/or other database platforms may be employed incertain implementations of the modular sensor platform 10 to, forexample, receive and send data to the modular sensor platform 10. Onesuch implementation is architecture for multi-modal interactions (notshown). Such architecture can be employed as a layer of artificialintelligence between wearable devices, like modular sensor platform 10,and the larger cloud of other devices, websites, online services, andapps. Such an architecture also may serve to translate (for example bymonitoring and comparing) data from the modular sensor platform 10 witharchived data, which may be then be used to alert, for example, the useror healthcare professional about changes in condition. This architecturefurther may facilitate interaction between the modular sensor platform10 and other information, such as social media, sports, music, movies,email, text messages, hospitals, prescriptions to name a few.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate several implementations of a wearable sensorplatform 10 showing a sensor module 16 mounted on a band 12. Thewearable sensor platforms or systems 800, 900, 1000, 1100 and 1200 areanalogous to the wearable sensor platforms 10 and thus include analogouscomponents having similar labels. Each of the implementationsillustrated may incorporate a removable power source 22, and may includea wireless (or wired) communication capability between the sensor module16 and the base module 18 or between the sensor module 16 and remotedevice or system (not shown). Likewise, as would be understood by anartisan, one or more implementations illustrated in FIGS. 8-12 may beemployed in the implementations shown in FIGS. 1-3 depending on thedesired use.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate various embodiments that employ configurationsthat position the sensor module 16 relative to the display 26, suchthat, as the anthropometric size of the body part increases (ordecreases), the sensor module 16 is maintained in its optimal or nearoptimal position for suitable physiological measurements and usercomfort over the period of use, while the display 26 maintains itsposition in relation to the body part over a large range ofanthropometric sizes. For example, when the wearable sensor platform 10is worn over the wrist, sensor module 16 maintains an optimal or nearoptimal position and pressure on the soft, underside of the wrist, whilethe display 26 maintains a user expected position on the topside of thewrist, regardless range of wrist sizes.

More specifically, in the implementation shown in FIG. 8, the sensormodule 816 is selectively removable, and further includes a sensormodule 816 attached to the band 812, and sensor units (not shown fully)attached to a sensor plate 830. The sensor module 816 also includes aprocessor or a sensor computing unit (not shown) that is similar to thesensor computing unit 32 of FIGS. 1-3.

The wearable sensor platform or system 800 is illustrated as includingan optional smart device or base module 818, a strap or a band 812, abase computing unit 820, a display/GUI 826, and a sensor module 816attached to the band 812. In some other embodiments, the wearable sensorplatform 800 does not include the optional base module 818. In someembodiments, the base module 818 includes an interface (not shown)similar to the communication interface. In some embodiments, the modularwearable sensor platform or system 800 is a smart watch or a smartphone.

In various implementations, the band 812 may be configured tocomfortably fit a range of different body parts with varying sizes(e.g., a head, a chest, a wrist, an ankle, a ring) for each unique user.For example, for a wrist, the band 812 may be symmetrically adjustableover a wide range of sizes for band 812 lengths ranging from about 135mm for a small wrist to about 210 mm for a large wrist, and at the sametime maintaining sufficient sensor unit 828 contact with the body partfor reliable measurements and user comfort over the period of use (e.g.,continuous, short or long-term). Such a band 812 may also include aplurality of sub-bands (not shown) that allows for similar symmetricadjustability around the body part and may also allow for morecirculation of air in and around the wrist, thereby providing additionalcomfort. These sub-bands may be positioned in layers horizontally orvertically. Band 812 may also be of varying elasticity. For example,band 812 may have a less elastic region in or near the base module 818and/or near the sensor module 816 and a more elastic region in theremaining portions of band 812. Other material properties for band 812are contemplated and should be appreciated by the artisan.

For example, the band 812 generally consists of chemically inertmaterial, medical-grade material, hypoallergenic silicone, rubber,Graphene, and the like. The band 812 may comprise a material selectedfrom the group consisting of: elastomeric material, non-metallicmaterial, non-magnetic metal, molded plastic, impact-resistant plastic,flexible plastic, plastic, rubber, wood, fabric, cloth, elastomericmaterial, or combinations of any of the preceding. The band 812 could bealso made of a skin graft, artificial skin or other like fabric toprovide a continuous skin-like feel and comfort. In some embodiments,the band 812 may employ textile-based wearable form factors (e.g. wristand palm) made of breathable materials and avoiding hard bulky plasticmaterials. A flexible fabric could be moved to multiple positions. Suchmovement could avoid covering the same area of skin for too long withany non-breathable component. As such, a fabric band 812 may furtherprovide added breathability and minimize risks of infection in a systemfor wearing continuously (24/7 use) in either short-term or longer-termapplications. Additionally, the band 812 has a textured interior surfaceto minimize slipping. Band 812 may also include overlapping orintertwining straps with similar symmetric adjustability.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, both the sensor module 816 and, ifemployed, the removable power interface 822 (not shown in FIG. 8) arecontoured to conform to a body part, here, a wrist of a user. When thesystem 800 is worn over the wrist, the sensor module 816 may be incontact with the skin of the wrist. In some embodiments, the sensormodule 816 is a flexible plate. In some embodiments, the sensor units828 can be arranged, for example, to be spring loaded or co-molded in aflexible gel, to allow the sensor units 828 to contact the body partwithout adjusting the band to improve comfort and/or measurementreliability and accuracy. Additionally, the sensor module 816 may beworn with one type of band 812 during the day and inserted into and wornwith a different type of band 812 during sleep.

The system 900 of FIG. 9 is analogous to the wearable sensor platforms10 and system 800 of FIG. 8. Thus, system 900 includes analogouscomponents having similar labels. In FIG. 9, band 912 in thisimplementation is similar to band 812. Band 912 employs a sensor module816 that is co-molded or integral to the band 912. The sensor module 816can may further have the sensor units 828 arranged in a flexible gel orsimilar fluid.

The system 1000 of FIG. 10 is analogous to the wearable sensor platforms10 and systems 800 of FIG. 8 and 900 of FIG. 9. Thus, system 1000includes analogous components having similar labels. In FIG. 10, band1012 is similar to band 812 and 912. Band 1012 is configured in thisimplementation as an overstrap arrangement so as to overlap sensormodule 1016. Other strap attaching arrangements are contemplated. Band1012 may be releasably attached to the sensor module 1016, and may beadjustable to accommodate different size of the body parts, whileretaining appropriate positioning of the sensor module 1016 relative tothe base module 1018. The adjustability of sensor module 1016 can beaccomplished through a variety of attachment mechanisms, for example,magnets, ratcheting, grooves, snaps and other ways to hold the sensormodule 1016 in position that should be apparent to the artisan.

In one implementation, each flex connection 1192 slides into and out ofeach link of the band 1112. In another implementation, the flexconnections 1190 may be integral to the links of the band 1112, wherethe links of the band 1112, in turn, could be connected by variousmechanisms to connect such links, e.g. watch links. In implementationsemploying links, sizing of the system 1100 about a body part can befurther refined by removal or addition of links by a user, for example.Additionally, in implementations including a wireless communicationbetween the sensor module 1116 and the base module 1118, no wiring isneeded between the modules, or power-only wiring between the sensormodule 1116 and the base module 1118 may be employed. In otherimplementations, wiring arrangements for power and data communicationmay be employed between the sensor module 1116 and the base module 1118.

The system 1200 of FIG. 12 is analogous to the wearable sensor platforms10 and systems 800 of FIG. 8, 900 of FIG. 9 and 1000 of FIG. 10 and 1100of FIG. 11. Thus, system 1200 includes analogous components havingsimilar labels. In FIG. 12, the base module 1218 and sensor module 1216are self-adhering to the body part. In some implementations, a partialband 1212 as shown in FIG. 12 may employed with either the base module1218 or the sensor module 1216 to further increase the surface area forimproved adhesion to the body part. In other implementations, band 1212is not employed.

It should appreciated that, in some implementations of the wearablesensor platforms 10 and systems 800-1200, the display 1226 may beoriented toward or away from the sensor module 1216. For example, asensor module 1216 may be applied to the forehead of the user and thedisplay may be oriented toward the user, for example, in the form ofglasses for eyewear (not shown) or a helmet face shield (not shown). Inother implementations, the sensor module 1216 may be configured as askin-like tattoo that would adhere the sensor module 1216 to the skin ofthe forehead (or other body part), while the display 1226 may be a thin,flexible screen applied to the skin of the wrist (or other body part),where both may include a power source.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an embodiment using the implementation ofFIG. 1, and both FIGS. 13 and 14 include analogous components havingsimilar labels. The implementation of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be employed inother implementations of the wearable sensor platform 10. Thisimplementation may be employed with or without the ECG clasp 1334. InFIG. 13, the sensor module 1316 is arranged to be microadjustable. Themicro-adjustable sensor module 1316 of this implementation is positionedin a track in the band 1312. The band 1312 is adjustable, manually orautomatically, along the track of the band 1312 via a sensor module flexlead 1394. In this implementation, the sensor module flex lead 1394 isshown as an accordion-like lead that allows adjustment along the track.FIG. 13 illustrates the sensor module 1316 in a first position, whileFIG. 14 illustrates sensor module 1416 in a second position relative tothe first position in FIG. 13. Various other positions of the sensormodule 1316 are possible within the track to accommodate the positioningof the sensor module for a given user.

Additionally, it should be understood that other implementations of themicro-adjustable sensor module 1316 are contemplated. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, instead of or in addition to employingthe flex lead 1394 in FIG. 13 or other configuration for amicro-adjustable sensor module 1316, one or more of the sensor units1528 may be rotatable, manually or automatically, in the same oropposite rotational directions and the sensor units 1528 may be in syncor out of sync relative to each other depending on the application.Rotation of the sensor units 1528 may occur either individually, incombination with other sensor units 1528 or the sensor module 1516, asillustrated in FIG. 15, sensor module 1616, as illustrated in FIG. 16,may be moved along the track of the band 1512 having a clasp 1534 asillustrated in FIG. 15, and 1612 having a clasp 1634 as illustrated inFIG. 16, and the sensor units 1628 rotated. Such rotation may facilitaterefined positioning of the sensor units 1628 for improved comfort orimproved physiological measurements depending on the body part.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment using the implementation ofFIG. 1, and both FIGS. 17 and 18 include analogous components havingsimilar labels. The implementation of FIGS. 17 and 18 may be employed inother implementations of the wearable platform 10 (of FIG. 1). In FIG.17, the micro-adjustable sensor module 16 (of FIG. 1) is arranged on asensor slide positioned in or on track of band 1712 (1812 of FIG. 18).The micro-adjustable sensor module 16 (of FIG. 1) is positionedadjustably in or on the band 1712 (1812 of FIG. 18) via a sensor slide1796. In this implementation, the sensor slide 1796 (1897 of FIG. 18) isadjusted, manually or automatically, to refine the position the sensormodule 16 (of FIG. 1) as desired. FIG. 17 illustrates the sensor slide1796 in a first position, while FIG. 18 illustrates sensor slide 1897 insecond position relative to the first position in FIG. 17. Various otherpositions of the sensor slide 1796 are possible within the track toaccommodate the positioning of the sensor module 16 (of FIG. 1) for agiven user as desired.

Additionally, it should be understood that other implementations of themicro-adjustability of the sensor module 1316 are contemplated. Forexample, instead of or in addition to employing the flex lead 1394 inFIG. 13, one or more of the sensor units 1328 may be rotatable. Rotationof the sensor units 1328 may occur either individually, in combinationwith other sensor units 1328 or as the sensor module is moved along thetrack of the band 1312 in FIG. 13. Such rotation may facilitate refinedpositioning of the sensor units 1328 for improved comfort or improvedphysiological measurements depending on the body part. As should beapparent, the various implementations for sensor module 16 may beemployed alone or together depending on the user and application.

The present invention has been described in accordance with theembodiments shown, and there could be variations to the embodiments, andany variations would be within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, the exemplary embodiment can be implementedusing hardware, software, a computer readable medium containing programinstructions, or a combination thereof. Software written according tothe present invention is to be either stored in some form ofcomputer-readable medium such as a memory, a hard disk, or a CD/DVD-ROMand is to be executed by a processor.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures donot require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achievedesirable results. In addition, other steps may be provided, or stepsmay be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may beadded to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A wearable system for measuring physiological data from adevice worn about a body part of a user comprising: a base module, thebase module comprising a display and a base computing unit, and beingpositioned on a first side of the body part; a first sensor moduleconfigured to measure a gravitational force experienced by the device; asecond sensor module spatially positioned relative to the base module ona second side opposite to the first side of the body part and over aportion of the body part for measuring one or more physiologicalcharacteristics calibrated based on the gravitational force measuredwith the first sensor module; and the base module being adjustablypositioned on the body part relative to the second sensor module so thatthe second sensor module maintains its positioning over the body partfor sufficient contact with the body part regardless of ananthropometric size of the body part.
 2. The wearable system of claim 1,wherein the second sensor module is positioned over an underside of awrist of the user.
 3. The wearable system of claim 1, where in thesecond sensor module further maintains a pressure contact with skin ofthe user to allow for continuous use by the user.
 4. The wearable systemof claim 1, wherein the second sensor module is removable.
 5. Thewearable system of claim 1, wherein the second sensor module isreplaceable with a different type of sensor module.
 6. The wearablesystem of claim 5, wherein sensor units are adapted to be removablycoupled to a sensor plate of the second sensor module so that the sensorunits may be individually replaced with different sensor units.
 7. Thewearable system of claim 1, wherein the second sensor module comprises acombination of electric and optical sensors.
 8. The wearable system ofclaim 1, wherein the second sensor module comprises one or more of:biological sensors, proximity detectors for detecting a proximity ofobjects, and environmental sensors.
 9. The wearable system of claim 1,wherein the second sensor module comprises sensor units that furthercomprises any combination of optical sensor array, a thermometer, agalvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array, a bioimpedance (BioZ) sensorarray, and an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor.
 10. The wearable systemof claim 1, wherein the second sensor module comprises sensor units thatfurther comprises an optical sensor array, and wherein the opticalsensor array is arranged on a band so that the optical sensor array onthe band is adapted to straddle a blood vessel.
 11. The wearable systemof claim 1, wherein the second sensor module comprises sensor units thatfurther comprises a bioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array and optical sensorarray, and wherein the bioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array is arranged on aband so that the optical sensor array on the band is adapted to straddlea blood vessel.
 12. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein the basemodule further includes a base computing unit comprising a processor,memory, a communication interface and a set of sensors.
 13. The wearablesystem of claim 1, wherein the second sensor module is adapted to beremovably disposed on an interior surface of a strap.
 14. The wearablesystem of claim 1, wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adapted toconnect the base module and the second sensor module.
 15. The wearablesystem of claim 1, wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adapted toconnect the base module and the second sensor module, wherein thesymmetrically adjustable band is a one-piece.
 16. The wearable system ofclaim 1, wherein at least two symmetrically adjustable sub-bands areadapted to connect the base module and the second sensor module.
 17. Thewearable system of claim 1, wherein at least two symmetricallyadjustable bands are adapted to connect the base module and the secondsensor module, wherein the symmetrically adjustable bands are one-piecebands.
 18. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein a symmetricallyadjustable band is adapted to connect the base module and the secondsensor module, and the second sensor module is co-molded to thesymmetrically adjustable band.
 19. The wearable system of claim 1,wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adapted to connect the basemodule and the second sensor module and the second sensor module isco-molded to the symmetrically adjustable band in a flexible gel. 20.The wearable system of claim 1, wherein at least two overlapping strapsare adapted to connect the base module and the second sensor module. 21.The wearable system of claim 1, further comprising a band, and whereinthe band comprises at least four links connected by a flex connection,and the band is adapted to connect the base module and the second sensormodule.
 22. The wearable system of claim 21, wherein the second sensormodule comprises sensor units housed on a sensor plate that is adaptedto be removably coupled to the band.
 23. The wearable system of claim 1,wherein the second sensor module is adapted to adhere to skin of a bodypart.
 24. The wearable system of claim 23, wherein the second sensormodule is adapted to be positioned on an underside of a wrist.
 25. Thewearable system of claim 1, the base module comprises a thin, flexibledisplay adapted to be adhered to skin of a body part.
 26. The wearablesystem of claim 23, wherein the base module is adapted to be positionedon a top side of a wrist.
 27. The wearable system of claim 1, whereinthe body part is a wrist and sizes of the wrist can range from 125 mm to210 mm.
 28. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein the body part is anupper arm, waist, finger, ankle, neck, chest, foot or thigh.
 29. Thewearable system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless communicationslink and a wireless communication unit positioned in the second sensormodule for transmitting physiological data via the wirelesscommunications link to the base module.
 30. The wearable system of claim1, further comprising a wire, and wherein the second sensor module andthe base module are connected via the wire for power and communicatedata wirelessly.
 31. The wearable system of claim 1, further comprisinga wireless communications link and a wireless communication unit fortransmitting physiological data via the wireless communications link tothe base module and to a location remote from the wearable system. 32.The wearable system of claim 1, wherein the second sensor module and thebase module each contain battery power sources and communicatewirelessly between each other.
 33. The wearable system of claim 1,wherein the second sensor module and the base module each containbattery power sources and communicate wirelessly between each other andto a location remote from the wearable system.
 34. The wearable systemof claim 1, further comprising multiple sensor modules, and wherein thebase module wirelessly communicates with the multiple sensor modulesadapted to be worn on different body parts of the user.
 35. The wearablesystem of claim 1, wherein the wearable system further transmits data toa remote architecture adapted to implement multi-modal interactions. 36.The wearable system of claim 35, wherein the remote architecturecomprises a layer of artificial intelligence between the wearable systemand one or more of: cloud devices, websites, online services, andapplications.
 37. The wearable system of claim 35, wherein the wearablesystem and the remote architecture communicate changes in usercondition.
 38. The wearable system of claim 35, wherein the remotearchitecture interacts with the wearable system to provide informationrelated to social media, sports, music, movies, email, text messages,hospitals and prescriptions.
 39. The wearable system of claim 1, whereinthe second sensor module is a micro-adjustable sensor module.
 40. Thewearable system of claim 1, further comprising a power source, whereinthe power source comprises a removable battery and a permanent battery.41. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor modulecomprises at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope.
 42. Thewearable system of claim 1, wherein the one or more physiologicalcharacteristics are calibrated based on a time differential from thegravitational force measured with the first sensor module.
 43. Thewearable system of claim 42, further comprising a timer configured toadjust a time duration used to measure the one or more physiologicalcharacteristics based on the gravitational force measured with the firstsensor module, wherein the second sensor module is further configured tocalibrate the measurements based on the time duration adjusted with thetimer.
 44. The wearable system of claim 1, wherein the one or morephysiological characteristics are calibrated based on a light speeddifferential from the gravitational force measured with the first sensormodule.
 45. The wearable system of claim 44, further comprising a lightcalibrator configured to adjust light emission based on thegravitational force, wherein the second sensor module is furtherconfigured to calibrate the measurements based on the light emissionadjusted with the light calibrator.
 46. A wearable system for measuringphysiological data from a device worn about a body part of a usercomprising: a base module, the base module comprising a display and abase computing unit, and being positioned on a first side of the bodypart; a first sensor module configured to measure a gravitational forceexperienced by the device; and a micro-adjustable sensor modulespatially positioned relative to the base module on a second sideopposite to the first side of the body part and over a portion of thebody part for measuring one or more physiological characteristicscalibrated based on the gravitational force measured with the firstsensor module; the micro-adjustable sensor module configured toadjustably position in a first position of the body part of the user,and being adjustably relocated to a second position of the body part,relative to the first position, for sufficient contact with the bodypart at the second position regardless of an anthropometric size of thebody part.
 47. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein themicro-adjustable sensor module is positioned over an underside of awrist of the user.
 48. The wearable system of claim 46, where in themicro-adjustable sensor module further maintains a pressure contact withskin of the user to allow for continuous use by the user.
 49. Thewearable system of claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor moduleis removable.
 50. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein themicro-adjustable sensor module is replaceable with a different type ofsensor module.
 51. The wearable system of claim 50, wherein sensor unitsare adapted to be removably coupled to a sensor plate of themicro-adjustable sensor module so that the sensor units may beindividually replaced with different sensor units.
 52. The wearablesystem of claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module comprisesa combination of electric and optical sensors.
 53. The wearable systemof claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module comprises one ormore of: biological sensors, proximity detectors for detecting aproximity of objects, and environmental sensors.
 54. The wearable systemof claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module comprises sensorunits that further comprises any combination of optical sensor array, athermometer, a galvanic skin response (GSR) sensor array, a bioimpedance(BioZ) sensor array, and an electrocardiography (ECG) sensor.
 55. Thewearable system of claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor modulecomprises sensor units that further comprises an optical sensor array,and wherein the optical sensor array is arranged on a band so that theoptical sensor array on the band is adapted to straddle a blood vessel.56. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensormodule that further comprises a bioimpedance (BioZ) sensor array and anoptical sensor array, and wherein the bioimpedance (BioZ) sensor arrayis arranged on a band so that the optical sensor array on the band isadapted to straddle a blood vessel.
 57. The wearable system of claim 46,wherein the base module further includes a base computing unitcomprising a processor, memory, a communication interface and a set ofsensors.
 58. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein themicro-adjustable sensor module is adapted to be removably disposed on aninterior surface of a strap.
 59. The wearable system of claim 46,wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adapted to connect the basemodule and the micro-adjustable sensor module.
 60. The wearable systemof claim 46, wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adapted toconnect the base module and the micro-adjustable sensor module, whereinthe symmetrically adjustable band is a one-piece.
 61. The wearablesystem of claim 46, wherein at least two symmetrically adjustablesub-bands are adapted to connect the base module and themicro-adjustable sensor module.
 62. The wearable system of claim 46,wherein at least two symmetrically adjustable bands are adapted toconnect the base module and the micro-adjustable sensor module, whereinthe symmetrically adjustable bands are one-piece bands.
 63. The wearablesystem of claim 46, wherein a symmetrically adjustable band is adaptedto connect the base module and the micro-adjustable sensor module, andthe micro-adjustable sensor module is co-molded to the symmetricallyadjustable band.
 64. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein asymmetrically adjustable band is adapted to connect the base module andthe micro-adjustable sensor module and the micro-adjustable sensormodule is co-molded to the symmetrically adjustable band in a flexiblegel.
 65. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein at least twooverlapping straps are adapted to connect the base module and themicro-adjustable sensor module.
 66. The wearable system of claim 46,further comprising a band, and wherein the band comprises at least fourlinks connected by a flex connection, and the band is adapted to connectthe base module and the micro-adjustable sensor module.
 67. The wearablesystem of claim 66, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module comprisessensor units housed on a sensor plate that is adapted to be removablycoupled to the band.
 68. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein themicro-adjustable sensor module adapted to be adhered to skin of a bodypart.
 69. The wearable system of claim 68, wherein the micro-adjustablesensor module is adapted to be positioned on an underside of a wrist.70. The wearable system of claim 46, the base module comprises a thin,flexible display adapted to be adhered to skin of a body part.
 71. Thewearable system of claim 70, wherein the base module is adapted to bepositioned on a top side of a wrist.
 72. The wearable system of claim46, wherein the body part is a wrist and sizes of the wrist can rangefrom 125 mm to 210 mm.
 73. The wearable system of claim 46, wherein thebody part is an upper arm, waist, finger, ankle, neck, chest, foot orthigh.
 74. The wearable system of claim 46, further comprising awireless communications link and a wireless communication unitpositioned in the micro-adjustable sensor module for transmittingphysiological data via the wireless communications link to the basemodule.
 75. The wearable system of claim 46, further comprising a wire,and wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module and the base module areconnected via the wire for power and communicate data wirelessly. 76.The wearable system of claim 46, further comprising a wirelesscommunications link and a wireless communication unit for transmittingphysiological data via the wireless communications link to the basemodule and to a location remote from the wearable system.
 77. Thewearable system of claim 46, wherein the micro-adjustable sensor moduleand the base module each contain battery power sources and communicatewirelessly between each other.
 78. The wearable system of claim 46,wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module and the base module eachcontains battery power sources and communicates wirelessly between eachother and to a location remote from the wearable system.
 79. Thewearable system of claim 46, further comprising multiple sensor modules,and wherein the base module wirelessly communicates with multiple sensormodules adapted to be worn on different body parts of the user.
 80. Thewearable system of claim 46, wherein the wearable system furthertransmits data to a remote architecture adapted to implement multi-modalinteractions.
 81. The wearable system of claim 80, wherein the remotearchitecture comprises a layer of artificial intelligence between thewearable system and one or more of: cloud devices, websites, onlineservices, and applications.
 82. The wearable system of claim 80, whereinthe wearable system and the remote architecture communicate changes inuser condition.
 83. The wearable system of claim 80, wherein the remotearchitecture interacts with the wearable system to provide informationrelated to social media, sports, music, movies, email, text messages,hospitals and prescriptions.
 84. The wearable system of claim 46,further comprising a power source, wherein the power source comprises aremovable battery and a permanent battery.
 85. The wearable system ofclaim 46, wherein the first sensor module comprises at least one of anaccelerometer and a gyroscope.
 86. The wearable system of claim 46,wherein the one or more physiological characteristics are calibratedbased on a time differential from the gravitational force measured withthe first sensor module.
 87. The wearable system of claim 86, furthercomprising a timer configured to adjust a time duration used to measurethe one or more physiological characteristics based on the gravitationalforce measured with the first sensor module, wherein themicro-adjustable sensor module is further configured to calibrate themeasurements based on the time duration adjusted with the timer.
 88. Thewearable system of claim 46, wherein the one or more physiologicalcharacteristics are calibrated based on a light speed differential fromthe gravitational force measured with the first sensor module.
 89. Thewearable system of claim 88, further comprising a light calibratorconfigured to adjust light emission based on the gravitational force,wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module is further configured tocalibrate the measurements based on the light emission adjusted with thelight calibrator.
 90. A method for measuring physiological data from awearable device worn about a body part of a user, the wearable devicehaving a base module comprising a display being positioned on a firstside of the body part and a base computing unit, a first sensor module,and a micro-adjustable sensor module on a second side opposite to thefirst side of the body part, the method comprising: measuring with thefirst sensor module a gravitational force experienced by the wearabledevice; spatially and adjustably positioning the micro-adjustable sensormodule relative to the base module on the first side of the body partand over a portion of the body part at a first position for measuringone or more physiological characteristics calibrated based on thegravitational force measured with the first sensor module; andadjustably relocating the micro-adjustable sensor module from the firstposition to a second position of the body part, relative to the firstposition, for sufficient contact with the body part at the secondposition for accurate measurements of physiological data regardless ofan anthropometric size of the body part.
 91. The method of claim 90,wherein the micro-adjustable sensor module comprises a plurality ofsensor units that are rotated to provide sufficient contact with thebody part for accurate measurements of physiological data regardless ofthe anthropometric size of the body part.
 92. The method of claim 91,comprising relocating the plurality of sensor units relative to eachother to improve contact with the body part for accurate measurements ofphysiological data.
 93. The method of claim 90, wherein the first sensormodule comprises at least one of an accelerometer and a gyroscope. 94.The method of claim 90, further comprising calibrating the one or morephysiological characteristics based on a time differential from thegravitational force measured with the first sensor module.
 95. Themethod of claim 94, wherein calibrating the one or more physiologicalcharacteristic based on a time differential further comprises: adjustinga time duration with a timer used to measure the one or morephysiological characteristics based on the gravitational force measuredwith the first sensor module; and calibrating the measurements based onthe time duration adjusted with the timer.
 96. The method of claim 90,further comprising calibrating the one or more physiologicalcharacteristics based on a light speed differential from thegravitational force measured with the first sensor module.
 97. Themethod of claim 96, wherein calibrating the one or more physiologicalcharacteristic based on a light speed further comprises: adjusting lightemission with a light calibrator based on the gravitational forcemeasured with the first sensor module; and calibrating the measurementsbased on the light emission adjusted with the light calibrator.